Ontario Mortgage Decision Centre

Start with what is making the mortgage difficult.

Choose the concern closest to yours. The useful answer may depend on the documents, property, timing and lender policy—not simply whether one lender said yes or no.

Choose My Situation Get a Mortgage Second Opinion

Find the answer from your problem

Which situation sounds closest to yours?

Declined or unsure why?

Separate the real lender concern from assumptions.

Income · credit · debt ratios · property · down paymentShow me where to start →02

Self-employed income problem?

Show how the business earns before choosing a lender route.

A lending · bank statements · financials · T1 approachShow me where to start →03

Credit or debt holding you back?

Understand the bureau, timing and cause—not only the score.

Equifax · TransUnion · utilization · collections · recoveryShow me where to start →04

Renewal offer received?

Compare the complete decision before signing early.

Rate · payment · penalty · switching cost · flexibilityShow me where to start →05

Need to refinance or use equity?

Match the purpose, cost and exit plan to the right structure.

Debt consolidation · renovations · investment · CRA debtShow me where to start →06

Buying a rental property?

Test the rental calculation and portfolio effect by lender route.

Subject rent · existing rentals · cash flow · reservesShow me where to start →07

Payment or closing problem?

Work backward from the deadline and available equity.

Appraisal · funds to close · job change · urgent alternativesShow me where to start →

How the answer is built

Understand the obstacle before comparing solutions.

01Identify the pain pointWhat changed, what was declined and what deadline applies?
02Separate facts from assumptionsWhich documents, calculations and property facts were actually reviewed?
03Compare executable routesWhich suitable A, alternative/B, MIC or private options may exist—and at what cost?

Buying, selling or investing?

The mortgage plan and property plan should meet before the offer.

Property type, legal use, insurance, appraisal, taxes, condo information and closing dates can change the mortgage answer. Connect both sides before the transaction becomes difficult to reverse.

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Need a focused review?

A definition cannot see your income, credit, property or deadline.

Tell Rajiv what you are trying to accomplish and what the lender has already said. He can help identify the questions and responsible options worth exploring next.

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Published mortgage guidance

Search the complete Mortgage Centre

Use the guided situations above or search every published answer, concept and strategy.

Concept

Mortgage term vs. amortization: what is the difference?

The mortgage term is the length of the current contract. Amortization is the estimated repayment schedule. Compare both when reviewing payments, renewal timing and early-exit costs.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Aug 30, 2026

Read the practical answer →